NCJ Number
137020
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper describes California's Civil Addict Program which provides for the commitment and treatment of narcotic addicts and persons who by repeated use of narcotics are in imminent danger of becoming addicted.
Abstract
In 1963 California's 1961 civil commitment statute underwent extensive reorganization due to several U.S. Supreme Court decisions. The legislature amended certain sections of the law to emphasize the treatment and prevention of contamination of others as well as the protection of the public through control of those who are uncooperative or unresponsive to treatment. In an additional effort to remove the "indicia of criminality," the responsibility for administering the release (parole) programs was transferred from the Adult Authority to the newly established Narcotic Addict Evaluation Authority. The Civil Addict Program is a 2-phase program that consists of the institutional phase and the outpatient/parole phase. Those committed to the program are confined to the California Rehabilitation Center or a branch of it during the inpatient phase. A variety of programs are offered, including vocational and academic education, self-help groups, and work assignments. When participants are released to outpatient status or civil addict parole, the program provides for strict supervision and mandatory drug testing. Those who revert to narcotics use or otherwise violate their release conditions are returned to inpatient treatment.